Industry News
Fighting superbugs with dragon blood
US scientists have found that Komodo dragon blood plasma contains a host of potentially viable antimicrobial peptides that could help lead to new therapeutics. [ + ]
Metal-contaminated soil leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Australian and Scottish researchers have found that soils containing lead, manganese or aluminium — even in small amounts — contain bacteria with antibiotic resistance. [ + ]
3D-printed sternum successfully implanted
A collaboration between CSIRO, Anatomics and British doctors has resulted in the world's first implementation of a 3D-printed titanium and polymer sternum into a patient. [ + ]
Graphene transistors to detect genetic diseases
Japanese and Indian scientists have developed a method for using graphene-based transistors to detect disease-causing genes. [ + ]
The crystals that power Earth's magnetic field
Japanese researchers have been investigating the source of energy driving the Earth's magnetic field, hidden deep within its core. [ + ]
Luminescent nanoparticles and a low-power laser for super-resolution microscopy
Researchers have used a low-power laser beam to switch luminescent nanoparticles on and off, in a breakthrough that will lead to super-resolution microscopy for the detailed study of live cells and organisms. [ + ]
BeHEARD Challenge offers grants for rare disease research
Applications are now open for the 2016–2017 BeHEARD Challenge, which provides technology and financial grants for rare disease research. [ + ]
Instrumentation expo comes to Dubai next month
The ARABLAB trade show seeks to connect people from all over the world, showcasing the latest laboratory and instrumentation equipment from leading manufacturers. [ + ]
Medicinal cannabis access fast-tracked for Australian patients
The Turbull government will facilitate faster access by qualified doctors to medicinal cannabis for approved patients. [ + ]
Devolving pancreatic cells could cause diabetes
Western Australian researchers have created a new scientific model for the development of type 2 diabetes, which can be caused by the failure of insulin-producing pancreatic beta (β) cells. [ + ]
Trans-Tasman science treaty formed
The longstanding rivalry between Australia and New Zealand may finally be coming to an end, with ministers from both countries coming together to sign the Australia–New Zealand Science, Research and Innovation Cooperation Agreement. [ + ]
Meet the cocaine-resistant mice
Scientists have genetically engineered a mouse that does not become addicted to cocaine, adding to the growing field of evidence that suggests habitual drug use is more a matter of genetics and biochemistry than just poor judgement. [ + ]
Stem cell webinars coming up
STEMCELL Technologies is hosting two webinars in the coming weeks, giving scientists interested in stem cell research the chance to hear from experts in the field from the comfort of their own homes — just as long as they don't mind waking up a little early. [ + ]
Alzheimer's drug trial abandoned due to lack of efficacy
Pharmaceutical company MSD has ended its phase 2/3 study evaluating the drug verubecestat in patients with mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). [ + ]
The genes that predict your risk of hair loss
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified almost 300 genetic regions involved in the common condition of male pattern baldness. [ + ]

